Buckle up. For my cash, with Qi35, TaylorMade is telling probably the most intriguing driver story of the spring 2025 season. And whereas, yeah, there are many bells and whistles and different shiny issues to seize your consideration, the very best components of the story – the stuff that makes the Qi35 driver household so rattling fascinating (to me, anyway) – are the bits I haven’t heard earlier than and would have by no means anticipated to return from TaylorMade.
Please stick with me. There’s some compelling stuff to be discovered right here however let’s begin with the fundamentals.
What does the “35” in Qi35 imply?
In what appears apparent sufficient in hindsight, the “10” in final season’s Qi10 title served to indicate the ten,000 whole MOI of the Max mannequin. With that, the Qi35 title would possibly initially seem to be a little bit of a puzzler.
No, TaylorMade hasn’t circumvented USGA guidelines and launched a driver with 35,000 MOI, although I suppose when you add up the entire MOI of all 4 fashions, you’re most likely within the 35,000 ballpark.
Regardless, whereas excessive MOI stays a part of the story, this time round, it isn’t the story itself.
Whereas it’s the type of “Inside Baseball” factor that’s going to be misplaced on most golfers who pull a Qi35 driver off the rack, the title is supposed to inform the briefest of tales behind TaylorMade’s newest driver platform.
Particularly, the inspiration of Qi35 is constructed upon three foundational pillars with 5 methods to suit. If it helps, consider it as “Qi 3 with 5.”
What are these pillars and people methods to fitted? (You would possibly ask.)
Let’s dig in.
Qi35 drivers: Type
I ought to most likely begin by mentioning that each one three of TaylorMade’s pillars begin with the letter F and whereas which may make it really feel just a bit bit like an episode of Sesame Road, it doesn’t come throughout as totally compelled.
Anyway, the primary of TaylorMade’s pillars is Type and that principally refers to the entire seen design particulars together with some visible cues that assist inform the story of every mannequin, no less than for these perceptive sufficient to note them.
New shade scheme
The obvious replace to Qi35 is a brand new shade scheme. As most do, TaylorMade has moved across the shade wheel over the previous couple of seasons. The pink faces of Stealth gave technique to the blue and silver of Qi10.
With Qi10, the first shade is what TaylorMade calls Chromium Carbon. The design itself is much like what TaylorMade did with SIM, albeit with barely cooler tones.
The seen carbon weave sample is ever-present in each Qi35 mannequin, although it’s essential to level out that TaylorMade continues to be leveraging what is probably going probably the most multi-material building within the business. Inside Qi35, you’ll discover titanium, tungsten, carbon fiber, aluminum and metal. And for many who need to run up the tally, I suppose you possibly can depend the epoxies that maintain every little thing collectively as nicely.
Suffice it to say that there’s loads happening.
Refined design cues
Throughout the Qi35 driver designs, you’ll discover a mixture of refined and not-so-subtle design cues. Few will miss that Carbon is once more stamped on the face. Likewise, the inclusion of an MOI callout – 10 kg-cm2 stamped on the only of the Qi35 Max isn’t more likely to go unnoticed.
A extra cynical author would possibly say this form of factor has develop into the gear business’s model of a tramp stamp. All that’s lacking is an arraignment of roses or perhaps a butterfly.
The extra refined parts embrace inexperienced flags on the only to indicate the comparative weighting of every membership – again within the Qi35 Max, central within the Qi35 core mannequin, ahead within the LS.
Equally, the triangular sample, what we discuss with because the “flux capacitor”, is supposed to convey that mass has been pushed to the perimeter (excessive MOI) within the Max and core fashions and is extra concentrated within the LS.
On one hand, I feel the brand new design seems nice. And the design cues – even when misplaced on most – are nicely executed. I admire the hassle.
That stated, I think some received’t love the seen carbon weave, particularly in a shade that’s one thing aside from black. TaylorMade’s seamless infinity crown design already makes the crown (significantly with bigger shapes just like the Max) look huge. We’re speaking about what quantities to extra carbon weave on a driver crown than we’ve ever seen earlier than.
After all, not everybody loves to have a look at a sea of gloss black both and whereas it could be an excessive amount of for some, I feel, in totality, the designs are nicely executed.
And, hey, if all that seen carbon isn’t your factor, TaylorMade will once more supply a Designer Collection possibility which ought to enchantment to the purists/traditionalists amongst you.
Anyway, love the carbon, hate the carbon? I might like to know the place you land on this one.
Qi35 drivers: Operate
Type speaks to the entire design parts you possibly can see. Operate, to giant diploma, speaks to what’s largely the under-the-hood engineering you can’t.
Earlier than we get to that, let’s speak about probably the most obvious little bit of TaylorMade driver tech.
Carbon Face
Yup, TaylorMade is once more leveraging carbon faces with Qi35. It’s not misplaced on us that carbon faces have develop into a kind of design parts that’s merely a non-starter for a few of you.
Frankly, after three generations, I wouldn’t have been in the least shocked if carbon faces quietly light away however TaylorMade isn’t solely dedicated to know-how but in addition continues to push for extra efficiency from the fabric.
For certain, it’s simple to knock TaylorMade for a number of the failure points. I’ve made a number of jokes on the firm’s expense (and can virtually definitely proceed to take action) however, to an extent, that’s the price of innovation.
Carbon continues to be a comparatively new face materials and TaylorMade learns from every launch. The corporate admits there’s been a studying curve and like the rest, you don’t know what you don’t know. Carbon face as an influence materials is principally uncharted territory however TaylorMade believes it has improved each facet of the carbon face design. That features making a extra secure carbon layup course of in addition to making important year-over-year enchancment within the processes that bond the face to the top.
It’s seemingly the failure charge won’t ever be zero however carbon faces have gotten much less of a motive to keep away from TaylorMade drivers.
The underside line is that we’re 4 years into this and it’s beginning to really feel like TaylorMade is severe when it says it’s not going again to titanium.
Like it or hate it, it doesn’t a lot matter. It’s simply what it’s.
Improved facilities of gravity
You may think about my shock when TaylorMade clicked to a slide within the Qi35 presentation with the daring headline “10K Doesn’t’ Matter.” The finer print on that very same slide reads “until you’ve gotten the appropriate launch situations.”
Essentially, TaylorMade needs you to play probably the most forgiving driver you possibly can however not on the expense of distance. With final 12 months’s fashions (the Max, specifically), there’s an inexpensive argument that TaylorMade, in chasing 10K price of MOI, overcooked the spin profile a bit.
The purpose for the Qi35 lineup was to take care of and, in some instances, enhance MOI with out sacrificing efficiency in different areas. With that in thoughts, it is sensible to have a look at the enhancements mannequin by mannequin.
Qi35 Max
Yeah, I stated it, the Qi10 Max was, in my estimation, too spinny. I may need even joked that the “35” in Qi35 referred to a 35-percent discount in spin. Whereas it’s not fairly that a lot, via modifications in its heart of gravity place, TaylorMade was capable of minimize spin within the Qi35 Max by round 200 rpm in comparison with the Qi10 Max.
I might have preferred to see a few hundred extra RPM dropped but it surely’s not misplaced on me that there are some gamers who do want extra spin than the remainder of us.
Right here’s the place it’s essential to notice that TaylorMade’s loft specs haven’t modified. When you’re attempting to take the straightforward manner out, reducing loft is an easy technique to decrease spin whereas retaining MOI however that’s not what TaylorMade did.
By a little bit of intelligent reshaping, multi-material building, a greater understanding of adhesives and, I suppose, placing the load financial savings from the carbon face to raised use in a normal type of manner, TaylorMade was capable of decrease the middle of gravity.
In actual fact, throughout the Qi35 lineup, TaylorMade is providing its lowest facilities of gravity in a decade. To place some numbers on it, TaylorMade says the CG on the Max mannequin is lower than three millimeters above the CG projection, roughly half a millimeter decrease than Qi10. The Max can be one gram lighter than the earlier mannequin.
What’s CG Projection?
This appears like the appropriate place for a quick primer on CG Projection or what others name the Impartial Axis.
The CG projection is an imaginary line that runs perpendicular to the loft from face heart via the rear of the clubhead. Only a few drivers have supplied facilities of gravity at or under the middle of gravity projection. As CGs transfer nearer to (and under impartial), you find yourself with a better proportion of the face above the CG.
TaylorMade describes the portion of the face above the CG because the “space of alternative” as a result of any time you make contact above the CG, you’re taking a little bit little bit of spin out of the ball which generally results in extra distance.
By reducing CGs throughout the lineup, TaylorMade is successfully chopping spin and providing you with a higher alternative to generate distance.
So as to add a little bit little bit of extra context right here, whereas three millimeters wouldn’t be thought-about an especially low CG relative to the CG projection, a number of the spiniest stuff we’ve ever seen (the NIKE Covert stuff for instance) was within the ballpark of seven millimeters. So three millimeters is strong, particularly for a driver with 10K MOI.
Shifting on …
In contrast to different Qi35 drivers, Max fashions don’t supply adjustable weighting. As a substitute, the Qi35 Max ships with a hard and fast 34-gram again weight that’s meant to remain precisely the place it’s, guaranteeing you don’t inadvertently enhance MOI past the USGA restrict.
I assume that’s a very good factor.
Along with the excessive MOI, TaylorMade says the Qi10 Max presents a slight draw bias which is sensible for the goal participant.
Visually, you’re going to be a considerable footprint however the form itself isn’t overly game-improvement-y, so whereas it’s large, the Qi35 Max isn’t unpleasant.
The TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver is on the market in 9, 10.5 and 12 levels. Inventory shafts embrace the Mitsubishi Diamana T+ 60 and Fujikura AirSpeeder 25.
Qi35 Max Lite
TaylorMade can be providing a Qi35 Max Lite. Because the title suggests, it’s a lighter model of the Qi35 Max that saves weight within the head by way of a 24-gram backweight. The inventory shaft (Mitsubishi Vanquish 4) and grips (Golf Pleasure Z-Grip 43g) are additionally lighter.
With the decreased weight, the Qi35 Max Lite received’t get you to 10K however, all issues thought-about, 9K is fairly strong.
The Qi35 Max Lite is on the market in 10.5 and 12 levels.
Qi35
TaylorMade’s customary or core mannequin is, for my cash, probably the most intriguing new driver launching this January.
I suppose that’s due to what TaylorMade says it was capable of obtain with respect to each CG place and MOI with the usual Qi35.
With the heavier of Qi35’s two adjustable weights within the again place, TaylorMade says its measured heart of gravity is simply 1.6 millimeters above the CG projection. By any wise evaluation, that will counsel a lower-spinning design.
When the heavy weight strikes to the entrance, CG is decrease nonetheless at simply .3 millimeters above the CG projection.
Needless to say this isn’t the LS we’re speaking about. That is the usual mannequin within the TaylorMade Qi35 lineup.
Extra compelling maybe is that TaylorMade achieved these heart of gravity positions whereas growing MOI over Qi10.
We’ll speak about it extra within the becoming part however, not like its Qi10 counterpart, TaylorMade’s center mannequin within the Qi35 household presents adjustable weighting by the use of a pair or entrance/again weights (13g/1g).
With the heavier weight within the rear, TaylorMade is claiming a mixed MOI variety of 9,000 whereas MOI within the entrance place is round 8,100. TaylorMade says it’s the best MOI it has ever had in a core mannequin.
Whereas that’s not precisely overlap, the numbers are excessive sufficient that somebody in search of to maximise forgiveness (extra precisely MOI) may be compelled to decide on the core mannequin due to the form or what ought to show to be lower-spin efficiency.
Talking as a recurring LS man, I’m intrigued by what the on-paper numbers counsel may be attainable (assuming I can cease clanking the ball off the underside of the face).
The TaylorMade Qi35 driver is on the market in 9, 10.5 and 12 levels. Inventory shafts are the Fujikura Ventus Blue (no VeloCore) and the Mitsubishi Diamana T+ 60. The inventory grip is a 52g GolfPride Z-Grip.
Qi35 LS
For these of us who can’t preserve spin down with the core mannequin, TaylorMade is once more providing an LS (low spin) model of its flagship driver.
There are some important modifications to this 12 months’s LS, not the least of which is a transfer away from TaylorMade’s signature ahead sliding weight observe in favor of three pinpoint weights. Essentially, TaylorMade’s implementation isn’t a lot completely different from what we’ve seen from COBRA, PXG and doubtless others however I don’t’ have any specific downside with that.
The three-weight system (13g, 2g, 2g) is probably going the higher strategy as a result of it saves a very good quantity of construction (wasted mass) whereas including extra becoming versatility from the again place.
With the heavier weight in that rear place, you possibly can count on greater launch and spin however the heart of gravity is simply .8 millimeters above the CG projection so even within the greater MOI configuration (~7,700), you possibly can count on fairly low spin.
Whenever you put the heavier weight in one of many ahead positions, you’ve activated what TaylorMade calls Beast Mode. TaylorMade says the Beast Mode CG projection is .2 millimeters under the CG projection. That’s going to kill spin and create a number of velocity and whereas 6.8K of whole MOI isn’t precisely max degree, for an excellent lower-spin configuration, it’s fairly a bit greater than the place we might have been a number of years in the past.
Whereas the Qi35 Max and core fashions supply what TaylorMade calls excessive inertia shapes, the Qi35 LS driver is described as a standard form. It’s a bit completely different than earlier LS fashions but it surely nonetheless seems compact and whereas I really feel like an absolute cheeseball bastard for saying it, it does look quick.
My head needs the core mannequin, however the coronary heart nonetheless belongs to the LS.
The Qi35 LS driver is on the market in 8, 9 and 10.5 levels. Inventory shafts are the Mitsubishi Kaili Blue DarkWave CB 60 and Kali White DarkWave 60. The inventory grip is a 52-gram GolfPride Z-Grip.
Qi35 drivers: Becoming
Lastly, we’ve arrived at our third pillar: Becoming.
If six weeks in the past you had requested me which model would have probably the most compelling becoming story going into 2025, there’s principally no likelihood I’d have stated TaylorMade.
Frankly, it’s not an organization that I’ve ever felt put any severe emphasis on becoming, not to mention one that will lead the cost into what would possibly show to be the following frontier in becoming.
A few of what I’m about to inform you can be acquainted. A few of it can very seemingly be not like any becoming story you’ve heard earlier than.
Head first
The acquainted half is that TaylorMade believes that Qi35 driver becoming ought to begin with the top.
With the top, you’re trying to dial in what I suppose qualify as conventional becoming metrics like ball velocity, launch and descent angles in addition to spin charges.
With 4 fairly well-differentiated fashions to tug from, it ought to have a head that works for each golfer, with simply sufficient overlap the place you would possibly have the ability to make a preference-driven determination or two alongside the best way.
Shaft second
It’s not that TaylorMade begins with the top after which strikes onto the shaft that’s uncommon. It’s the way it arrives on the shaft determination that’s completely different than most any becoming story we’ve heard earlier than.
To assist golfers discover the appropriate shaft for the Qi35 driver, TaylorMade is leaning right into a datapoint known as “closure charge.” Closure charge is a Foresight metric discovered within the head knowledge part. It’s outlined because the rotation of the clubhead heel to toe measured concerning the shaft in levels per second or rpm.
I’ve requested about closure charge for years however that is the primary time I’ve had anybody inform me they’ve discovered a technique to leverage it as a part of the becoming course of.
I hope to dig manner deeper into this at a later date however, for now, consider closure charge as a bit of your swing DNA. It’s a mirrored image of the way you ship the membership however there’s not likely such a factor pretty much as good closure charge or unhealthy closure charge; it simply type of is what it’s.
There are some broad generalities. For instance, excessive closure charge gamers are likely to do higher with softer tipped shafts whereas these on the decrease finish of the closure charge spectrum sometimes do higher with firmer tipped shafts.
That stated, even among the many finest gamers on the earth (together with TaylorMade’s Tour employees), you’ll discover a mixture of quick closure charges, sluggish closure charges and every little thing in between. Once more, there isn’t a good or unhealthy closure charge; it’s simply no matter you occur to do.
When closure charge, the target isn’t to discover a shaft that modifications your closure charge or strikes you nearer to some optimum closure zone. It’s about consistency. A shaft that produces a extra constant closure charge, in line with TaylorMade, will seemingly produce extra constant outcomes on the course.
Simplified a bit, consider the top because the factor most answerable for these conventional metrics I discussed firstly of this part, whereas the shaft is the a part of the equation that results in higher consistency into influence and finally tighter dispersion downrange.
TaylorMade sees closure charge because the roadmap to discovering the appropriate shaft. Alongside its journey, it recognized many golfers, together with Tour execs, within the fallacious shaft. With that in thoughts, don’t be shocked when you see some TaylorMade staffers in new shafts this season.
What about Trackman?
As I discussed, closure charge is a Foresight metric and, for now, exists solely on Foresight launch displays. It’s not reasonable to suppose everybody who will get fitted for a Qi35 driver goes to get match on a GC Quad so TaylorMade has additionally labored with Trackman to combine its engineering CAD recordsdata into Trackman.
For the primary time, Trackman can have the exact geometry of the clubhead which, along with offering extra correct head velocity knowledge, can even enable it to generate an inexpensive approximation of closure charge.
For now, this can be a little bit of a TaylorMade unique but when this results in extra designs being built-in into the Trackman system, it’s a win for everybody.
Likewise, TaylorMade has constructed up a database of shaft data, however for now, it’s accessible solely by TaylorMade becoming accounts utilizing TaylorMade’s MFE (My Becoming Expertise) software program. That half is type of a bummer however as its rivals kick the tires on this, we should always discover out if there’s something to it and, if that’s the case, extra data ought to filter into the general public area.
As soon as a fitter has settled on a head and shaft, the remainder comes right down to profiting from adjustability (hosel settings and moveable weights) to dial every little thing in.
However wait! There’s extra (heads)
Keep in mind manner again initially after I defined that the “5” in Qi35 referenced 5 methods to suit golfers? TaylorMade’s math is a little bit fuzzy but it surely speaks to the concept TaylorMade presents 4 retail heads together with its SelectFit heads. Technically, there’s a SelectFit model of every mannequin which one would possibly argue ought to get us to “Qi38” however now most likely isn’t the time to separate hairs.
SelectFit heads are the identical because the retail heads, with one small however not insignificant exception. SelectFit heads function SelectFit faces which embrace six built-in Foresight reflective becoming markers.
A number of issues to level out right here.
The becoming markers are positioned beneath the outer polymer layer of TaylorMade’s carbon face so we’re not speaking about exterior stickers. It’s an strategy that merely isn’t attainable with titanium faces.
Foresight sometimes requires 4 stickers to seize head knowledge however TaylorMade labored with Foresight on a six-sticker system to enhance the consistency of head and, extra particularly, closure charge knowledge. The up to date monitoring is on the market within the newest model of GC Quad firmware.
Whereas the retail heads don’t supply built-in Foresight markers, they do present clear indicators the place these stickers needs to be positioned which ought to enhance head knowledge accuracy for each fitter (and golfer) utilizing a Foresight launch monitor.
I’ve already argued the case for bringing the SelectFit model to retail. My argument to TaylorMade was primarily based largely on the truth that I need one, however given how prevalent the usage of Foresight (and presumably Bushnell techniques) has develop into, there’s no manner I’m the one one who sees the advantage of making the know-how accessible to the lots.
It additionally makes me suppose that each producer ought to take into account integrating some means to make sure correct Foresight maker placement into their designs.
I don’t know. What do you suppose?
Wrapping it up
It ought to go with out saying that primarily based on the becoming story alone, TaylorMade’s Qi35 driver lineup is without doubt one of the most compelling choices headed to market in early 2025. Toss in improved heart of gravity areas, excessive MOI in most fashions and crowd pleasing (although most likely not universally liked) industrial design and I’d argue this Qi35 is probably the most spectacular lineup we’ve seen from TaylorMade in fairly a while.
Availability and pricing
TaylorMade Qi35 drivers can be found for pre-order now. Full retail availability begins Jan. 30.
Retail value for the Qi35, Qi35 Max and Qi35 Max Lite is $599.99. The Qi35 LS retails for $649.99.
TaylorMade can even supply a Designer Collection head which includes a high-gloss black design with refined inexperienced accents. Will probably be supplied in Qi35, Qi35 Max and Qi35 LS heads in each inventory and customized configurations. Retail costs for Qi35 Designer Collection drivers begin at $649.99.
For extra data, go to TaylorMadeGolf.com.
Final 12 months’s mannequin
I really like what TaylorMade has performed with the Qi35 however $600-$650 is a giant ask. When you’re wanting to avoid wasting cash on what is sort of the most recent tech, final season’s Qi10 drivers have been discounted to $499.99.
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